Investigate carefully as this is a very tricky area. If you are a 501(c) organization, then you are required to make your last 3 tax returns available to anyone who asks. Failure to provide the forms is punishable by a fine of $20 per day.

Note, if you make the forms "widely available" by publishing them on a website or GuideStar, then you can simply direct the requestor to the site.

More info can be found at www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96430,00.html#1

Now for the question regarding if you a legitimate non-profit (i.e., are you a 501(c) charity - probably a 501(c)(3)?). You'll want to contact the IRS and explore that.

IRS Exempt Organization customer service: 1-877-829-5500.
Hours: 8:00am - 9:30pm EST Monday-Friday.


Here is a link to a previous post about some publications that might also help.
IRS Publications for Tax-Exempt Orgs

Ok - I am the new President of our Parent Association. I have been "told" we are non profit, but cannot find a determination letter indicating this. (Any other way to indicate the org IS non profit?) Well, the president of our private school (for profit school) is now asking to see our tax returns for the past couple of years. He says he wants to have his concultant review what we are doing to be "sure he is not being exposed in any way"... OK -- do we as a non profit have to make our tax returns public? WHat documents arewe required to make publicly available? I moved into thos porsition when our Pres. resigned over the summer. Then our treasurer resigned at the start of the school year. We areall new officers in the organization. Any help woul dbe appreciated! THANKS :confused: